Niger: ECOWAS member states maintain indefinite border closure as of Oct. 18 after sidelining Nigerian lawmakers' motion to reopen /update 13

Event

As of Oct. 18, member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional bloc maintain the indefinite closure of Niger's southern border with Nigeria and Benin despite regional pressure to reopen. On Oct. 17, Nigerian lawmakers failed to pass a motion to reopen the border in the Federal Senate in Abuja. Lawmakers increasingly cite severe economic hardships in bordering communities since the initial closure was enforced to demand the restoration of deposed President Mohamed Bazoum following the July 26 coup d'etat. ECOWAS has further cited the border closure as having security implications for neighboring Nigeria. Furthermore, domestic political pressures led by the Beninese Democratic Party have called for a resolution to end the Nigerien border crisis as of Oct. 16. It remains unclear when border crossings will reopen.

Indefinite heightened security measures are likely along the Nigerien, Nigerian, and Beninese frontier. Freight transport and business disruptions are likely ongoing. The border closure may continue to present goods and service shortages in Niger and within the border areas. Protests and clashes between demonstrators and security forces are possible if the prolonged closure persists.

Context

ECOWAS has kept Benin's and Nigeria's borders with the country closed, and upheld the suspension of commercial and financial transactions with the country as of Sept. 12. The closure of Benin's and Nigeria's borders with Niger has notably disrupted the provision of humanitarian aid and the cross-border transport of goods. Additionally, Nigeria has cut its electricity supply to Niger, leading to power outages in parts of the country, including Niamey. The National Council for the Protection of the Country (Conseil national pour la sauvegarde de la patrie, CNSP) announced the reopening of land and air borders with Algeria, Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali, and Chad from Aug. 1.

As of Sept. 23, authorities have imposed an indefinite ban on all French commercial and chartered flights from Nigerien airspace, including military flights where special authorization from authorities is required. It remains unknown when the measure will be lifted. On the following day, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the planned withdrawal of French forces from the territory of Niger by the end of 2023. As of early Oct., French military personnel began withdrawing from the Nigerien territory to neighboring Chad.

Advice

Reconfirm the status of all southern border crossing points before scheduling cargo shipments or other travel across the frontier. Maintain heightened levels of vigilance in border areas. Avoid concentrations of security personnel and any protest activity.